A number of triumphs carry dual significance in the message they convey. Within the flood of weekend rugby Tests, it was the Saturday evening outcome in Paris that will echo most profoundly across the rugby world. Not just the end result, but equally the style of victory. To say that South Africa shattered a number of established beliefs would be an oversimplification of the calendar.
Shifting Momentum
So much for the theory, for instance, that France would make amends for the injustice of their World Cup last-eight loss. That entering the closing stages with a small margin and an extra man would result in assumed success. That even without their key player their scrum-half, they still had sufficient tranquiliser darts to keep the big beasts under control.
On the contrary, it was a case of counting their poulets prematurely. Initially 17-13 down, the 14-man Boks finished by scoring 19 unanswered points, strengthening their status as a side who more and more save their best for the most demanding situations. If beating New Zealand 43-10 in September was a message, now came clear demonstration that the top-ranked team are building an even thicker skin.
Set-Piece Superiority
If anything, Rassie Erasmus’s experienced front eight are beginning to make everyone else look less intense by contrast. The Scottish and English sides experienced their moments over the weekend but possessed nothing like the same dominant forwards that systematically dismantled the home side to rubble in the last half-hour. Several up-and-coming young France's pack members are emerging but, by the final whistle, Saturday night was hommes contre garçons.
Even more notable was the inner fortitude supporting it all. Without the second-rower – given a dismissal before halftime for a shoulder to the head of the opposition kicker – the South Africans could might well have faltered. On the contrary they just regrouped and set about taking the demoralized boys in blue to what an ex-France player referred to as “extreme physical pressure.”
Guidance and Example
Afterwards, having been hoisted around the Stade de France on the immense frames of two key forwards to celebrate his century of appearances, the team leader, Siya Kolisi, repeatedly emphasized how several of his players have been obliged to rise above life difficulties and how he aspired his team would similarly continue to motivate people.
The ever-sage a commentator also made an astute observation on broadcast, stating that Erasmus’s record more and more make him the rugby's version of the Manchester United great. Should the Springboks do go on to secure another global trophy there will be no doubt whatsoever. In case they fall short, the clever way in which the coach has rejuvenated a possibly veteran squad has been an object lesson to everyone.
Young Stars
Take for example his 23-year-old fly-half the newcomer who darted through for the closing score that properly blew open the home defense. And also the scrum-half, another backline player with explosive speed and an keener ability to spot openings. Naturally it helps to play behind a massive forward unit, with André Esterhuizen adding physicality, but the ongoing metamorphosis of the Springboks from intimidating giants into a side who can also move with agility and sting like bees is extraordinary.
Glimpses of French Quality
However, it should not be thought that France were utterly overwhelmed, in spite of their fading performance. The wing's additional score in the wing area was a good illustration. The power up front that tied in the Bok forwards, the glorious long pass from the full-back and Penaud’s finishing dive into the sideline boards all demonstrated the hallmarks of a side with notable skill, despite missing Dupont.
However, that turned out to be insufficient, which really is a humbling reality for all other nations. It would be impossible, for instance, that the visitors could have trailed heavily to South Africa and come galloping back in the way they did versus New Zealand. Notwithstanding England’s last-quarter improvement, there remains a distance to travel before the England team can be confident of standing up to the South African powerhouses with high stakes.
Home Nations' Tests
Overcoming an improving Fiji was challenging on match day although the forthcoming clash against the the Kiwis will be the contest that truly shapes their autumn. New Zealand are definitely still beatable, especially missing an influential back in their backline, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they remain a step ahead the majority of the northern hemisphere teams.
The Scottish team were particularly guilty of failing to hammer home the decisive blows and uncertainties still hang over the red rose's ideal backline blend. It is fine ending matches well – and much preferable than losing them late on – but their commendable winning sequence this year has so far featured only one win over elite-level teams, a close result over the French in earlier in the year.
Next Steps
Therefore the importance of this coming Saturday. Reading between the lines it would appear several changes are anticipated in the matchday squad, with experienced individuals coming back to the side. Up front, similarly, regular starters should be included from the start.
Yet context is key, in rugby as in existence. From now until the next global tournament the {rest
